Decorating in Geneva

We were commissioned to finish all the rooms of this beautiful house overlooking lake Geneva to a very high standard.

A client who’s London property we had worked on wanted us to complete his new home in Geneva, so with a small team and the van loaded, we set out on our journey.

Geneva

Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Situated where the Rhone exits Lake Geneva, it is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. So for the next few months, Geneva was to be our home.

Assessment of work

When we arrived at this fantastic property, it soon became apparent that the work was behind schedule so it was time for us to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in.

Preparation

Ceilings & walls

We applied a thinned coat of contract emulsion to all ceilings and walls and by using a halogen lamp directed across these surfaces, we were able to see all dents and nicks that needed filling.
Using Toupret interior filler and large filling blades, we proceeded to fill all the ceilings and walls.

After this, we sanded down all the areas using a Festool dust free sanding system. This is a professional setup and the results are fantastic, with none of the dust produced by a conventional sanding system.

Woodwork

All woodwork was knotted and primed and using two pack wood filler, all nail holes and dents were filled and sanded using the same Festool system.

Painting

Ceiling & walls

After cleaning down all areas with a vacuum and tack rags, we applied the first full coat and once this was dry, we checked the walls again with a lamp and filled any areas that needed fine surface filler applying. Once the fine surface filler was dry, we nibbed down and applied some emulsion to seal the surface and then applied the final coats giving a finger tip smooth finish.

The cornice had a very detailed design so we used our HVLP spray setup to spray all the cornices throughout the property – this not only saved a lot of time and money but produced a fantastic finish.

Woodwork

After priming, filling and rubbing down, we cleaned off with a vacuum and tack rag. I personally like to build up the paint by applying an undercoat at this stage. Using a lamp, we fine surfaced any defects still present. Once dry, we used a sanding pad to nib down undercoated areas and then cleaned them. A further two coats were applied which gave a superior finish to the woodwork.

Paint specification

We used Holman paints to specify all paint systems for the interior and exterior of the property. We took the majority of paint with us and the rest was delivered by Holmans – if you’ve ever tried to buy paint in Geneva, you’d know that it’s much more cost effective to have the paint delivered by Holman paints.

This was a large project and the work was achieved not only by the small team that came with me but also by the hard work of the Filipino team at our disposal. They proved to be hard working and very friendly, inviting us to their homes for food – we also had some great nights out in Geneva with them too!

Client review

“Kevin Mapstone was employed by me to paint my house in Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, with special effects, including the Mark Wilkinson designed kitchen which was superbly done.

I also employed Kevin and his team to add special effects, including trompe l’oeil, to my house in Geneva, Switzerland, and to choose paints and give guidance on general decoration. They are very professional and organized and can envisage artistic treatment and clever touch-up wherever paintwork or a paint effect is needed. I remember that my greatest admiration was when they turned my ordinary bannister in Palace Gardens Terrace into what most people believed to be a solid oak bannister!

During his time with me Kevin and his team always proved efficient, skilful and very reliable, and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services.”

Simon Agace

Should you have any queries regarding a project you wish to undertake, please do not hesitate to contact me via telephone or email.

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Specialist painter and decorator, Kevin Mapstone has worked on the most prestigious kitchen and furniture projects in London, the UK, as well as throughout Europe. He also specialises in decorative paint finishes and all aspects of period property decorating.

Kevin is responsible for hand painted kitchens and specialist decorating projects for ex-pats and homeowners in Russia, Europe and China.